Rugby World Cup 2011: England call up Thomas Waldrom as cover

Waldrom was part of the extended training squad but did not make the final cut

Leicester's Thomas Waldrom is to fly out to New Zealand as World Cup cover for England number eight Nick Easter.

The 28-year-old Tigers back rower will arrive in New Zealand on Wednesday.

England have still to name a replacement for injured prop Andrew Sheridan, who was ruled out with a shoulder injury last week.

"Nick Easter is still suffering from a sore back so we will be bringing Thomas out as temporary cover," said England manager Martin Johnson.

The 6ft 1in, 17st 6lb number eight was part of England's extended World Cup preliminary squad but has yet to be capped.

The New Zealand-born Waldrom qualifies for Johnson's team because of an English grandmother, but he played for New Zealand Under-21s and New Zealand Maori.

Last season, his first in England, Waldrom was named the Premiership players' player of the season.

Waldrom, who is regarded as a mobile number eight with good skills, played for the Hurricanes and the Crusaders in the Super 14 before moving to England.

Hendre Fourie, another player who was part of England's 45-man training squad but failed to make the final World Cup party of 30, will no longer be a replacement option should they need a specialist open-side flanker.

The Sale flanker has been ruled out until at least the new year to undergo shoulder surgery.

Fourie injured a hamstring playing in England's final warm-up Test against Ireland in Dublin, but has subsequently been struggling with a shoulder problem since returning to Sale.

"His rehabilitation will start immediately after surgery and we expect him back early in the New Year," said Sale boss Steve Diamond.